Obituaries
Obituaries for the Polk County, TN Area
Kathleen "Kat" Blankenship
Jan 14, 2023
Kathleen “Kat” Blankenship, 82, of Madisonville, departed this life peacefully on January 14, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on May 4, 1940, in Murphy, North Carolina to the late Robert Ashe and Janie Harris.
Throughout life, she enjoyed attending bluegrass festivals, going junking, hosting family gatherings, cooking, sewing, and decorating.
In addition to her parents, she...
Kenneth Sampson, II.
Jan 14, 2023
Junior “Kenneth” Sampson II, 73, of Cleveland, departed this life peacefully on Saturday, January 14, 2023.
He was born on December 14, 1949, in Old Fort, Tennessee to the late Gladys (Powell) and Junior Kenneth Sampson, Sr. Kenneth was a member of Four Point Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN. He was also a dedicated employee at Ratcliff’s Lumber Yard in...
Larry "Diddle" Lewis
Jan 10, 2023
Larry “Diddle” Lewis, 76, of Benton, departed this life peacefully, on January 10, 2023.
He was born on June 3, 1946, in Athens, Tennessee to the late Tup and Jane Padgett Lewis. He was a member of Zion Baptist Church. Diddle loved his family and always put them first, while enjoying the simple things in life. One of his favorite...
Mildred Alice Patterson
Jan 9, 2023
Mildred Alice Lockhart Patterson, 92, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on January 9, 2023, at the family residence.
She was born on April 12, 1930, in Etowah, Tennessee to the late Tom and Liza Stewart Lockhart.
Throughout life, Ms. Mildred loved her family with her entire heart, and was truly thankful for the many memories that shared together. She...
Lawrie Kay Willis
Jan 1, 2023
Lawrie Kay Willis, 52, of Tellico Plains, went to be with the Lord on January 1, 2023.
She was born on September 8, 1970, in Connersville, Indiana, to the late Lawrence and Jeannette Chaney Kuhn.
In addition to her parents, Lawrie was preceded in death by her baby that was born sleeping, Baby Willis.
Lawrie graduated in 1988...
Leota Stinnett Rice
Dec 30, 2022
Leota Stinnett Rice, 89, of Cleveland, departed this life peacefully to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on December 30, 2022.
She was born on June 29, 1933, in Benton, TN to the late Alfred and Stella Mae Cavett Stinnett.
Throughout life she served others well and valued family. Leota grew up active in church, first at Smyrna Baptist and...
Erica Mashon Guthrie
Dec 28, 2022
Erica Mashon Guthrie, 47, of Ocoee, departed this life on December 28, 2022.
She was born on March 13, 1975, in Chattanooga, TN to the late Tina Marie Osborne.
Throughout life she was raised in Walker County. Erica was the mother of two daughters and she worked as a receptionist in the medical field. Her favorite pastime was spending time...
Shirley H. White
Dec 27, 2022
Shirley Ann Harrison White, 87, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at her home surrounded by her beloved family.
She was born on December 9, 1935, in Stanton, Kentucky to the late William F. and Elsie Vance Harrison Sr. and was a lifelong member at First Presbyterian Church of Stanton. After graduation from high school,...
Betty Jo Curbow
Dec 23, 2022
Betty Jo Curbow, of Ocoee, departed this life peacefully on December 23, 2022.
She was born on June 16, 1926, in Ocoee, Tennessee to the late Horace and Grace Thurman Snyder.
Throughout life, she was a long-standing member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Ocoee, TN, and was always active in her family’s lives, lending a hand at a moment’s notice...
James "Buck" Payne
Dec 23, 2022
James “Buck” Payne, 54, of Benton, departed this life unexpectedly on December 23, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on March 7, 1968, in Copperhill, Tennessee to Mr. Albert Payne and the late Ms. Mary Baine Payne. “Buck” was a faithful member of the Ocoee Church of God and loved his church family.
Throughout life, James was...
Kenneth "Kenny" Wayne Potter
Dec 21, 2022
Kenneth “Kenny” Wayne Potter, 65, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on December 21, 2022, at the Hospice Care of Chattanooga.
He was born on July 14, 1957, in Harriman, TN. Throughout life, he was raised in the Oakdale Community and attended Oakdale School where he excelled on the football field and was named “All-Conference” during his senior season. He...
Donald Richard Noyes
Dec 16, 2022
Donald Richard Noyes, 89, of Benton, departed this life peacefully at his home, on December 16, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 18, 1933, in Boston, Massachusetts, to the late Ms. Myrtle Sophia Courage, and the late Mr. Alden Kimball Noyes. At an early age, Don began to learn the basics of life and responsibilities...
Thomas "LeeRoy" Farmer
Dec 13, 2022
Thomas "LeeRoy" Farmer, of Sweetwater, departed this life peacefully on December 13, 2022, surrounded by his beloved family.
He was born on March 2, 1953, in Etowah, Tennessee to the late Tommy and Bonnie Taylor Farmer. Throughout life, LeeRoy was blessed with many musical talents that included being able to play the piano, bass, and guitar. Playing with multiple gospel groups and quartets,...
Sandra "Kay" Crye
Dec 13, 2022
We are heartbroken to share the passing of our dear daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Sandra Kay Arms Crye, 72, departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.
Ms. Kay was born on May 2, 1950, in Ocoee, Tennessee and was raised on the family farm alongside her best friend, her brother Sammy. They lived side by side most...
Venice Goodman
Dec 11, 2022
Venice Goodman, 65, of Old Fort, departed this life on December 11, 2022.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.
Leonard W. Keith
Dec 11, 2022
Leonard W. Keith, 69, of Calhoun, departed this life peacefully on Sunday, December 11, 2022.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.
Wayne "Gene" Ross
Dec 5, 2022
Wayne “Gene” Ross, 77, of Cleveland and formerly of Conasauga, departed this life peacefully at his home in the early hours on Monday, December 5, 2022.
He was born on June 19, 1945, to the late Harle and Dorothy Varnell Ross. Gene was a lifelong resident of Cleveland and Polk County. Throughout life, he had a passion for old model...
Betty Lou Hyatt Norwood
Dec 1, 2022
Betty Lou Hyatt Norwood, 86, of Cleveland, departed this life peacefully on December 1, 2022, at a local healthcare facility.
She was born on October 27, 1936, in Lenoir City, Tennessee to the late Jessie Mae Headrick Wilson. Mom was a wonderful Mother and a loving and dedicated wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, friend, and employee. She even was “another mother”...
Faye Olivia McClary
Nov 24, 2022
Faye Olivia Newberry McClary, 81, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on Thanksgiving morning, November 24, 2022.
Faye was born on August 25, 1941, to the late Fred and Irene Posey Newberry in the Goodsprings community of Etowah. She graduated from Etowah High School and followed by attending Southeastern School of Banking in Nashville.
In June 1968, she married Mr....
Rev. William "W.L." Shipman
Nov 18, 2022
Reverend William L. “W.L.” Shipman, 90, departed this life peacefully on November 18, 2022, at a local healthcare facility.
He was born on October 20, 1932, in Old Fort, TN to the late Henry and Willie Kersey Shipman.
In addition to his parents, Henry, and Willie K. Shipman, he was preceded by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ms. Wilma...
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